Canada has rapidly emerged as a top choice for international students seeking quality education, cultural diversity, and pathways to global careers. With its welcoming communities, stunning landscapes, and universities ranked among the world's best, Canada delivers an unmatched study-abroad experience. This guide covers everything from popular courses and scholarships to immigration pathways. Start your journey with our complete guide to studying in Canada for international students.
Canada's natural beauty spans the Rocky Mountains, Arctic tundras, and vibrant cities like Toronto and Vancouver. A multicultural hub with over 807,260 international students in 2021/2022 (per IRCC's official website ), the country saw a 77% surge in study permits issued in early 2023. Top student source countries include India (226,450 students), China (52,165), and the Philippines (23,380). Whether you prefer urban energy or serene wilderness, Canada balances academic rigour with quality of life.
India (226,450 students); China (52,165 students); Philippines (23,380 students); France (16,725 students);
Nigeria (16,195 students); Iran (13,525 students); Republic of Korea (11,535 students); Japan (10,955 students);
Mexico (10,405 students); and Brazil (10,405 students).
Engineering
Institutions like the University of Toronto and UBC lead in civil, mechanical, and software engineering.
Medical and Health Science
Top medical schools in Canada, including McGill and U of T, combine research excellence with clinical training.
Business and Management
Prestigious programs like Rotman School of Management (U of T) and Sauder School of Business (UBC) rank among the world's best. Explore Canada's top business schools for specialized MBAs.
Environmental Studies and Sustainability
Canada's focus on sustainability shines through programs like UBC's Natural Resources Conservation and McGill's Environmental Science.
Computer Science and Information Technology
University of Waterloo and U of T produce tech leaders through co-op programs with giants like Shopify and Microsoft.
Canada makes education affordable with government-funded scholarships (e.g., Vanier CGS) and university grants. Many public universities in Canada, like Memorial University, offer lower tuition, while institutions such as the cheapest universities in Canada provide quality degrees under CAD 15,000/year.
Students can work 20 hours/week during their studies and apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP), valid for up to 3 years. Fields like healthcare, tech, and accounting in Canada offer high employability, especially in provinces like Ontario and British Columbia.
Canada prioritizes retaining skilled graduates. Popular pathways include:
Express Entry (CRS score system)
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) like Ontario's Masters Graduate Stream
Best courses in Canada for PR like Nursing, IT, and Engineering
Learn step-by-step strategies in our guide to securing PR after studies.
To apply for a study permit, you'll need:
Parents bringing children under 17 should review Canada's minor study visa requirements.
The PGWP lets graduates work for any employer, with no job offer required. Many use this time to gain experience for PR applications. STEM graduates often transition to tech hubs like Toronto or Vancouver.
Study Gaps: Most schools accept gaps up to 2 years learn how much gap is accepted for study in Canada.
Health Insurance: Mandatory in provinces like Ontario compare plans in our health insurance guide.
